Atlanta, Georgia – Defending National League MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. will be sidelined for the remainder of the Major League Baseball season after suffering an ACL tear during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Atlanta Braves announced this devastating news on Sunday night.
The 26-year-old outfielder led off the game with a double before attempting to steal third base, resulting in an awkward buckle of his leg. Acuña had to be assisted off the field, with the team initially describing his injury as “left knee soreness.”
In a post-game interview, Acuña revealed that he felt the injury was not as severe as his previous ACL tear in 2021, citing a lack of similar pain. This setback comes at a challenging time for the Braves, who currently hold a 30-20 record and are in second place in the NL East, trailing the Philadelphia Phillies by six games.
Teammates and fans alike expressed their support and concern for Acuña following the injury, emphasizing his importance to the team and the sport. Braves pitcher Chris Sale remarked on the impact of Acuña’s absence, recognizing him as one of the best players in the game.
The Braves organization stated that Acuña will undergo surgery at a later date to address his ACL tear, with the timeline for his return uncertain. Despite his absence, Acuña’s contributions this season, including four home runs, 15 RBIs, and a .250 batting average, have been crucial to the Braves’ success on the field.
As the team navigates this challenging situation without their star outfielder, the focus now shifts to how they will adjust their lineup and strategy moving forward to maintain their competitive position in the league. The loss of Acuña will undoubtedly present a significant challenge for the Braves as they continue their season.